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Working Principle of Transformer: Definitions, Examples, Parts, and Applications

Nikita Parmar

Updated on 19th June, 2023 , 3 min read

Working Principle of Transformer Overview

Transformers are electrical devices used to "step up” or step down the voltage levels between circuits. A transformer is a passive electrical device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another via electromagnetic induction. The transformer maintains a consistent current frequency while increasing or decreasing the AC voltage between circuits. 

What is a Transformer?

Transformers are electrical devices that transport electrical energy between two or more coils of the wire using a fluctuating magnetic field. A transformer is a straightforward, stationary electromagnetic device that transforms electrical energy from one value to another using Faraday's Law of Induction. By linking several electrical circuits via a single, created transformer, an oscillating magnetic circuit, the transformer performs this conversion. The transformer equation is denoted by the notation Vp x Ip = Vs x Is.  

To maintain equal input and output power for the system, the step-up transformer will reduce the output current, and the step-down transformer will raise the output current. The transformer, which is frequently employed in the distribution and transmission of alternating current electricity, is essentially a voltage control device. Michael Faraday originally broached the subject of a transformer in the year 1831, and many other eminent scientists continued his work after him. The fundamental goal of utilizing transformers, however, was to maintain equilibrium between electricity produced at extremely high voltages and electricity consumed at very low voltages.

What is a Formal Charge

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Examples of a Transformer

The plug-in unit of many mobile phones, computers, gaming consoles, power tools, and small appliances has a transformer built into it that converts 120V or 240V AC into the appropriate voltage for the item.

What is a Formal Charge

Parts of Transformer

The three parts of the transformer are as follows-

Primary Winding of Transformer

The primary winding of the transformer, when coupled to an electrical source, generates magnetic flux.

Magnetized Transformer Core

A closed magnetic circuit is created when the magnetic flux generated by the main winding travels down this low-resistance route connected to the secondary winding.

Secondary Transformer Winding

The primary winding's flux travels through the core and connects with the secondary winding. The transformer's intended output is provided by this winding, which is likewise wrapped on the same core.

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What is a Formal Charge

Working Principle of Transformer

The fundamental phenomenon of mutual induction between two windings is connected by a shared magnetic flux in order to drive a transformer's operation. The simplest type of transformer is seen in the image to the right. The main winding and secondary winding are the two inductive coils that make up a transformer. While the coils are electrically isolated from one another, they are magnetically connected. A source of alternating voltage must be connected to the primary winding in order to create an alternating magnetic flux around the winding. The secondary winding is connected to the flux through a magnetic channel provided by the core. A mutual electromotive force is produced in the transformer by the alternating flux that builds up in the laminated core as a result of the coil's connection to an alternating voltage source. 

Applications of Working Principle of Transformer

The following are some of the applications of the working principle of transformer-

  1. Long-distance electrical transmission is accomplished by the transformer using cables. 
  2. Radio and TV receivers, which require a variety of voltages, employ transformers with many secondary circuits.
  3. Voltage regulators are transformers.

What is a Formal Charge

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Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes a transformer’s major components?

Ans. The essential components of a transformer are the iron core, the primary winding, and the secondary winding.

What are some examples of transformers?

Ans. The plug-in unit of many mobile phones, computers, gaming consoles, power tools, and small appliances has a transformer built into it that converts 120V or 240V AC into the appropriate voltage for the item.

What is the transformer’s operating principle?

Ans. The mutual induction theory underlies how the transformer operates.

What is a transformer?

Ans. A transformer is a tool for increasing or decreasing AC voltages.

When do transformers catch fire and blow up?

Ans. When lightning hits, as well as when they are overloaded, corroded, experience power surges, etc., transformers burn and explode.

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